President Droupadi Murmu was conferred with ‘The Order of Fiji’, the country’s highest civilian award, by Fijian President Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere on Tuesday.
The award was presented during President Murmu’s three-day state visit to Fiji, marking the first-ever visit by an Indian head of state to the South Pacific nation.
In a special briefing, Jaideep Mazumdar, Secretary (East) of India’s Ministry of External Affairs, highlighted the significance of the award and other key events of the visit. “President Murmu deeply appreciated the honor,” Mazumdar stated. He also noted that the President addressed the Fijian Parliament and held a brief interaction with the local Indian community in Suva.
Upon her arrival in Suva, President Murmu was accorded a Guard of Honor by the Fiji Military Police, followed by a traditional welcome attended by Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka. The warm reception extended to the streets, where hundreds of schoolchildren lined up to greet the visiting dignitary.
During her visit, President Murmu met with both President Katonivere and Prime Minister Rabuka. The leaders engaged in wide-ranging discussions, reaffirming the mutual trust and strong commitment towards enhancing bilateral relations between India and Fiji. They also viewed a solarization project at the State House, completed by India as part of its development partnership with Fiji.
This visit to Fiji is the first leg of President Murmu’s three-nation tour, which will also include stops in New Zealand and Timor-Leste. In New Zealand, scheduled from August 7-9, she will meet with Governor General Dame Cindy Kiro and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. The final leg in Timor-Leste on August 10 will involve meetings with President Jose Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Kay Rala “Xanana” Gusmao.
The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized that these state visits reflect India’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with these countries and underscore the importance of India’s Act East Policy in its diplomatic strategy.
(Inputs from ANI)